Re-decking

[lesweeks]

I'm planning on replacing the 100 yr old decking and have some T&G Douglas Fir for the job. The intention is to epoxy/glass over the top when it's been laid. Should I glue the planks together as I lay them or just fix them down and leave the glueing to the epoxy when it goes on?

 

[Porthandbuoy]

I suspect the answer lies in how stiff and stable the rest of her hull is. If you epoxy the T&G together you may well end up transferring stresses to other parts of the hull.
On the other hand, if you don't you could end up with your fibreglass peeling away from the deck as it flexes. Tough call.

Have you considered a more flexible coating which will 'work' with the wood and allow it to breathe, such as Coelan? I've used it and am well pleased with the results.

 

[Wansworth]

Pine t&g decking was standard on many pre war yachts,normallly covered with paint soaked canvas.I had a Mashford 4 tonner with the same.My answer was to layers of ply,staggared joints,this leant stability watertightness and strengh.

 

[lesweeks]

Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.
Been sitting and thinking about my problem and I've decided to return to plan 'A'.
Back on 13th January '08 our friend Seanick gave a step-by-step plan of action and advised glueing a marine ply covering over the old (very old) planking, previously refixed and reasonably well faired, using a polyurethane adhesive which'll foam a bit and fill the small imperfections and gaps in the T&G. After this an epoxy/glass hard hat will keep out the rain and, if I do it properly, will resemble(ish) a canvas cover.

The new T&G planking I'll keep for the new cabin roof and that I will canvas in the traditional way. How's that for a compromise?

OK, now where do I get good decking canvas from?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[fishermantwo]

The deck of my fishing vessel is treated pine decking with two lay ups of csm and fibreglass. The decking is laid with the ribbed side up, just butt jointed, the resin soaks down to seal the joints. Previously it was plywood glassed over. water seeps in to any gaps and soon rots out joins in the ply. The treated pine makes a much more solid deck to walk on.

 

[Peterduck]

I believe that there are still mills in Arbroath making flax canvas for the Sail Training ships, which use it in large quantities. You may also find a company making tarpaulins for the trucking industry closer to home, and they may be able to supply heavy canvas. Start with your Yellow Pages phone book.
Peter.

 

[fishermantwo]

An alternative to deck canvass is a product used to seal shower recesses. It looks like fibreglass cloth but isn't. Its used the same as paint and canvas of yesteryear. Fishing boats use it here to seal the joints between cabin and deck as it allows some flexing and movement. Its wetted out with an acrylic paint type material and then painted over with either oil or acrylic paint. Check out your local building supply company.